If you have been looking into welding training and thinking about getting into the welding industry, part of you might be wondering what happens after you’ve completed your training. How do you make the most of this career path once you step out of the classroom?
The answer is: welding certifications. They’re your best bet for growth, advancement, and job longevity.
What Are Welding Certifications?
When we talk welding certifications, this isn’t the same as getting licensed. A licensure is a specific test you have to pass in order to be able to apply to welding jobs, and each state has their own rules as to whether you even need a license or not. Most don’t require you to be licensed, but you’re likely to see employers looking for you to carry some certifications.
Certifications are tests administered by industry organizations that demonstrate you have the necessary knowledge and skills in the area you’re looking to get certified.
The welding industry has a few different organizations that provide certification options:
- American Welding Society (AWS)
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
- American Petroleum Institute (API)
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
What Kinds of Certifications Are Available?
Quite a few! The easiest place to start is with the AWS certifications, since they are a linchpin industry organization and you’ll likely see their name pop up a lot.
AWS certification credentials include:
- Certified Welder Program — Demonstrates that you have the required skills to produce a quality weld and become a professional welder
- Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI) — Stepping stone toward CWI certification and demonstrates knowledge of specific codes, standards, and documentation
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) — One of the industry’s most recognized and respected certifications, demonstrating that you have a thorough grasp of welding processes and standards
- Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) — The highest certification level offered by AWS, recognized industry-wide and geared toward experienced welders
- Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) — Demonstrates knowledge and experience in overseeing the quality, productivity, cost, and safety of welding projects
- Certified Welding Educator (CWE) — Ensures proficiency in teaching welding principles, safety procedures, and hands-on techniques
- Certified Welding Engineer (CWENG) — For welders with some experience under their belts who can leverage welding engineering principles to create strong, efficient welded structures or components
- Certified Resistance Welding Technician (CRWT) — Benchmark evaluation of resistance welding, used in automobile and appliance manufacturing to create long-lasting welds
- Certified Radiographic Interpreter (CRI) — Demonstrates the ability to use radiographic testing to exam welds and determine whether they comply with acceptance criteria
- Certified Robotic Arc Welding (CRAW) — Demonstrates the ability to program a robot to deliver an acceptable weld
- Certified Welding Sales Representative (CWSR) — Ensures a sales professional’s knowledge in welding products and skills with recommending solutions, submitting bids, and troubleshooting issues
Similarly, ASME offers an array of certification programs in specialized welding areas that can further expand your skillset. This includes:
- Bioprocessing equipment, used in the production of biopharmaceuticals
- Boiler and pressure vessel components
- Parts fabrication
- Nuclear facility components
- Nuclear materials and services
- Nuclear quality assurance
- Reinforced thermoset plastic corrosion-resistant equipment
The API offers the 577 Welding Inspection and Metallurgy certification, which tests your knowledge of welding processes and metallurgy in the petrochemical industry. And OSHA provides a Welding and Cutting safety training course for skilled trade professionals, helping them to maximize their safety, efficiency, and productivity on the job site.
Why Should I Get Certifications?
In short? Because it’s the best investment you can make to establish and grow your career. Especially if you’re first stepping into the job market, you need to be able to stand out to employers, and having certifications demonstrates to them that you are committed to this job and interested in expanding your skills.
Additionally, certified welders can often have higher salary potential over the course of their career and improved job stability. Keeping up-to-date with your certifications — and adding new certifications as you go along — expands your employment options and puts you in a great position to be in-demand no matter where you work.
This Is a Lot. Where Do I Start?
It makes the most sense to start at the very top of this list: with the AWS Certified Welder program. This is the baseline certification, the one you’re the most likely to see as a requirement on a job listing. Becoming an AWS Certified Welder gives you a firm foundation to build from as you decide which direction you want to take your career.
Are you interested in becoming an inspector or supervisor? Then you’re going to want to go after the Certified Associate Welding Inspector or Certified Welding Supervisor program as a precursor to more advanced programs like Certified Welding Inspector or Senior Certified Welding Inspector.
Are you more interested in deep dives into niche welding industries? Then you should look through the offerings at ASME and decide if areas like bioprocessing equipment or nuclear materials are a good fit for you. You can also look into AWS’s Certified Robotic Arc Welding certification.
Design Your Future with Welding Training at VTI
Welding certifications offer a wide range of options when it comes to establishing and growing a career as a professional welder. At Vocational Training Institute, we have faculty with real-world experience who can work with you, help you sort through all the different paths out there, and find which one fits you best. Our focused, hands-on Welding training program is specifically designed to get you ready for a new job and a new future. If you’re ready to get started, contact VTI in Phoenix today.
